Journalist privilege Journalism has grown and developed over the years together with journalistic ethics. Journalists have a code of ethics or a moral compass. Every story produced by a journalist has a named or unnamed source. Several states have protective laws designed for journalists who have stories with anonymous sources, but Mississippi is one of the few states in America that does not have a shield law in place. Mississippi should enact a shield law that gives journalists the privilege of not revealing anonymous sources. Confidential sources in some cases are the only basis of credibility for journalists. Many important stories would not come to light without the reliance on confidentiality between journalists and their sources: “The Watergate source. . . provided classified information to Washington Post reporters about the illegal activities of the Nixon White House” (Campbell 37). Without the protection of journalists and their sources, the public would be in the dark. Journalists have the role of providing key information that our government does not want released to the public. They are protected by the First Amendment, but the First Amendment does not protect journalists from source disclosure. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” (qtd. in VanArsdall 16). Because the First Amendment does not explain in detail how it protects journalists, lawmakers' interpretation of the amendment is often not enough to free a journalist from having to disclose a... media.... ..d"Applause for the courage of a journalist." National Catholic Reporter July 15, 2005: 24. Academic research completed. Network. March 28, 2014.Bates, Stephen. “Journalist privilege, then and now.” Society August 2001: 41-54. Academic research completed. Network. March 18. 2014.Benzing, Jeffrey. "Fall on their shield." American Journalism Review July 2011: 11-12 academic research completed. Network. March 18, 2014.Campbell, Joel. “States Are Revisiting Journalist Privilege Laws.” Quill December 2005; 36-37. Literary reference center. Network. March 18, 2014.Kaufman, Debra. “The Fight for a Shield Law.” TV Week October 2008: 20. Academic research completed. Network. March 18, 2014. Klein, Herbert G. “Why We Need a Shield Law.” Washington Times September 2005: A17 newspaper source. Network. February 18, 2014.VanArsdall, Kelsey. “A law to protect”. Quill February 2005: 15 MasterFiles completed. Network. February 18. 2014.